The St. Louis Camera Club held its first meeting on February 12, 1914, when five amateur photographers led by Oscar Kuehn came together to share their passion for photography. Today, the club is recognized as one of the oldest continuously operating photography clubs in the United States.
In April 1915, the club presented its first photographic exhibition, showcasing 150 prints. As membership grew, meetings soon moved from members' homes to larger community venues, including community centers and libraries.
During the 1940s, the club adopted its first bylaws and established a Board of Directors, creating the organizational structure that continues to guide the club today.
The club expanded beyond black-and-white print competitions by introducing Color Slide competitions. That same year, it organized the Mississippi Valley Salon of Photography, at a time when only six other color slide exhibitions existed in the United States. The Salon has since become one of the club's most respected traditions.
As photography evolved, so did the club's competitions. New categories were introduced to reflect members' interests, including Nature Slides (1960), Color Prints (1970), and Photo Travel and Photojournalism (1985).
On November 19, 1969, the organization was formally incorporated as the St. Louis Camera Club, Inc.
The club launched its New Member Workshops to help photographers become familiar with competitions, club activities, and photographic techniques, making it easier for newcomers to get involved.
What began as a gathering of five amateur photographers has evolved into a thriving organization that has served hundreds of photographers throughout its history. Today, more than 200 active members continue the club's tradition of learning, creativity, and fellowship. Their collective experience—and the dedication of generations of volunteers—has been the foundation of the St. Louis Camera Club's enduring success.
Photography in the 19th Century by Elizabeth Eikmann (Video from our May 8, 2024 club meeting)
St. Louis Camera Club and the Camera Club Council of St. Louis (Article; Hours of Idleness)
Red Brick City (A Photographer's Perspective) (Article; Hours of Idleness)
Photography in Canada 1839-1989 (Article, references the St. Louis and Canadian Photographer publication)
State HistoricalSociety of Missouri - St. Louis International Salon of Photography Programs, 1940-1945 (S0561)
State Historical Society of Missouri - Mid-Missouri Camera Club Records, 1974-1997 (C4572)
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